Prologue
James Potter sat in his study, glass of fire whisky in hand. He stared into the fire, not really seeing it. His son, his firstborn son, was dying and there was not a bloody thing he could do about it.
"James?" Lily said entering the room. She approached slowly and ran her fingers through his hair. "We must be strong for him. We cannot fall apart now."
James looked at his wife. She had bags under her emerald, green eyes. Her once vibrant red hair fell around her face in a greasy curtain. He looked away. "What's the point?" he asked. "He's dying."
"As long as he's alive, there is still hope."
James did not answer, merely took a long drink from his glass of whisky. "It doesn't seem like there's any hope anymore," he murmured.
Lily gently took his arm. "Come on," she said. "We need to get back to Saint Mungo's. Harry needs us."
James stood swaying just a bit as he straightened. Lily drew a thin stick of wood from her robes and waved it over him. James's eyes immediately cleared. "Thanks love," he said waving his own wand in front of his face to freshen his breath. "You are right of course. Harry needs us and I will be damned if I am going to let him down."
**C**
Outside the window, a figure watched the couple. He shook his head. He had never thought he would have to use the changeling law himself, but desperate times called for desperate measures. The traitors in the courts were hunting him and there was no way he could protect his son and stay ahead of his pursuers at the same time. He watched as the couple left their home and vanished with a deafening crack.
The figure seemed to fade into the shadows before he to vanished.
**C**
James and Lily approached the Healer that had been watching over their son since he had been born. As they approached, she turned to face them, her expression unreadable.
"James, Lily," she said her tone giving nothing away.
"Lucy," Lily said. "How's Harry?"
"That is what I wanted to talk to you about," Lucy said, running her fingers through her long blond hair.
"Is he…" Lily stopped her eyes filling with tears.
"No," Lucy hurried to assure her. "Nothing like that, just let me explain."
She took a deep breath. "As you know, Harry was born with a rare genetic disorder called Magus mortem. This condition causes a wizard or witches magic to attack their internal organs. As we told you before, this condition is fatal within the first few weeks of life in wizarding children."
"So?" Lily asked. "What's happened?"
"He's better," Lucy explained.
"You mean he's doing better at the moment?" James said his heart in his throat.
"No," Lucy said. "I mean he is totally healed. This has baffled everyone who has been monitoring his condition. We have never seen anything like this. It is like his magic has stopped attacking him and all the damage has been healed. You must understand, this is rare. We have read about it in textbooks, but never seen it."
Tears ran down Lily's face. "Thank God," she whispered clasping her hands together. "It's a miracle."
"Thank Merlin," James said his voice quavering.
"It is a miracle," Lucy said. "Regardless, he is fine now. You will be able to take him home in a couple of days. We want to keep him here, just in case."
"Can we see him?" Lily asked.
"Of course," Lucy said.
Lily and James followed her into a nursery passed several rows of sleeping infants. They stopped in front of a crib with HJP spelled out in golden flames floating above it. Inside the crib, wrapped up in a bundle of blankets Lily could just make out a tuft of raven hair. She choked back a sob. "He's alive," she whispered. She reached out and gently gathered him into her arms. As she lifted him, he opened sea green eyes and stared up at her. He yawned cutely before closing his eyes again.
"His eyes," James said. "They're different."
"That sometimes happens," Lucy said. "The disease causes some minor physical changes in those few rare enough to survive it."
James shrugged. "I'm not complaining."
"I take it you would like to sleep here tonight?" Lucy asked.
"Can we?" Lily asked.
"Of course," Lucy said. "I'll go get you a few camp beds."
**C**
Once Lily and James were sleeping in the nursery, Lucy approached a tall man with long silver hair lurking unseen in the hallway. His glowing blue eyes fixed on her face as she approached him.
"I feel like a right prat," she said.
The man shifted uncomfortably cradling the still form of the Potter child close to his chest. "We did not murder this child. We, or specifically I, took advantage of a situation to protect my son. Switching their dead child for my living one is indeed underhanded, but necessary. This way, my son is protected, and the Potter family gains an heir."
Lucy shook her head. "Pardon me for saying Milord, but this seems wrong. Your wife would've never agreed with this manipulation. For Merlin's sake, we're stealing her child."
The man shrugged. "The point is my son is safe, and their son will be buried with royal honors. He will be given the respect one would give a member of my family."
"What about your wife. She will not be pleased, and she will want him back. Once she finds out what you've done, she's going to be furious."
"Maeve is currently in a coma and has been for over a year. Even if she wakes, she cannot take him back. Due to our laws, unless the child is abused or their life is threatened, we cannot retrieve them."
"What will you do now?" Lucy asked.
"First I'll see that the child is buried with the respect due him and then I'll continue running," the man said tiredly.
"Good luck Milord," Lucy said. "If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know."
The man nodded and vanished into the shadows once again.
Lucy turned to reenter the nursery and froze. A small slender blond woman stood in the doorway of the nursery. Her image seemed to waver as if seen through a heat haze.
"Traitorous bitch," she snarled. "You helped take my son from me."
Lucy bowed her head. "At least he's safe."
"You are lucky I am not there right now, or I would kill you. You took one of the only things in this world that matters to me. This coma restricts my magic, but I warn you now. You'd better watch over him closely. If anything happens to him, I will hold you personally responsible."
Lucy nodded, trembling violently. "Yes Milady," she whispered.
Without another word, the image of the blond woman faded from sight.
**C**
Lily blinked as she found herself standing on the shore of a lake. The sun was high overhead and the water lapped gently at the sand. Hearing footsteps in the sand, she turned to see a young woman approaching her. Her blond hair fell part way down her back and her sea green eyes stared into Lily's with an intensity that caused her to take a step back in reflex.
"Who are you?" she asked. "Where am I?"
"This is a dream," the woman said. "As for who I am, that is unimportant. What is important is that you take care of your son."
"Of course, I will," Lily said defensively. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Just call me a concerned individual," the woman said. "You promise me you'll love him and raise him to the best of your ability?"
"I swear it on my magic," Lily said.
A single tear ran down the woman's cheek. "Thank you," she said. "I will be checking up on you when I can, but for now, my strength is failing. Good luck Lily Evans Potter, I am afraid you will need it."
Before Lily could say another word, she found herself back in the nursery. She blinked and looked down at her sleeping son.
"Harry James Potter," she whispered. "It is a good name." She lifted the baby and kissed his forehead. "I promise to be the best Mother I can be," she whispered.
**C**
The man glanced back at the large stone on the side of the hill. For all intents and purposes, the courts would believe his son was dead.
As he strode down the hill, he felt the pulse of magic as the Changeling law took effect. He stopped running and stared up into the night sky. Whatever happened now, his son's fate was in the hands of the mortals. The magic of the changeling law would ensure that he was accepted by any family magic the Potter family possessed.
A long mournful howl echoed in the night. The man sighed and continued running. It would be a while before dawn when he could rest, and he had miles to go before he slept. Without looking back, he ran on into the night."
Chapter 1
August 1981
Tom Marvolo Riddle also known as Thomas Gaunt, and Lord Voldemort sat in the study of a large manor. So far, his war on the Muggle-born was going according to plan. True, his old teacher Albus Dumbledore was causing him problems, but it was nothing that he would not deal with eventually.
He smiled as he poured himself a glass of brandy. Patience was something he had learned since he'd graduated the wizarding school Hogwarts. It took patience to master wandless magic, it took patience to assemble an army, and it would take patience to take over the wizarding world. To someone such as him, someone that had conquered death, he had all the time in the world. A knock on the door drew him from his thoughts.
"Enter," he called sitting back down in the chair behind his desk.
A tall man dressed in Black robes entered the room. He removed a long black cloak and bowed to Voldemort. "Milord," he said respectfully his black eyes fixed on the floor at his feet.
"Severus," Voldemort said sitting his half empty glass of Brandy down on the desk in front of him. "It is late my friend. What brings you here at this hour."
Severus looked up at a clock on the wall where a dozen hands spun across its face. Stars dotted the edges of the timepiece. It must have made sense to him because he winced. "Beg pardon Milord," he said. "I didn't realize it was after midnight."
"Quite alright Severus," Voldemort said kindly. Gesturing with one hand, a bottle of brandy flew from the cupboard along with a glass and settled on the desk in front of him. "Would you like a drink?" he asked.
Severus nodded. He looked up at Voldemort still being careful not to meet his eyes. "May I draw my wand?"
Voldemort nodded. "Certainly."
Severus drew his wand and quickly conjured a chair out of thin air. Sitting down, he watched his master pour him a generous measure of amber liquid. "Thank you," he said taking a sip and sighing deeply.
Voldemort chuckled refilling his own glass. "I see you know how to enjoy a good brandy."
"I haven't had many good experiences in my life," Severus said. "I've learned to enjoy those that I do have."
Voldemort looked at Severus sympathetically. "I see," he said. "Well, hopefully the new world we are building will provide you with all the good experiences you could wish for."
"I hope so Milord," Severus said sitting his Brandy glass down.
Voldemort looked at Snape shrewdly. "What troubles you Severus?"
Severus took another long sip of Brandy. he leaned back in his chair carefully setting the glass down on the table in front of him. "What do you mean Milord?"
Voldemort frowned. His blue eyes flashed fiery red for a split second. "Do not play coy Severus Snape. It is after midnight. Why else would you come to my home so late?"
Severus took a deep breath. He spoke rapidly as if the faster he spoke, the quicker he could quell his master's irritation.
"I was spying on the old man as you ordered. Tonight, he had a meeting in the Hogs Head. It was for a new divination teacher. She seemed like a fraud, and he wasn't going to hire her, but something happened at the end of the meeting."
"Something?" Voldemort asked.
"She started spouting what sounded like a prophecy. She went into a trance and…" Snape trailed off. "Dumbledore hired her, so he obviously thinks the prophecy is real or at least he thinks you will think it is real."
"Ah," Voldemort said. "Someone caught you. How much did you hear exactly?"
"I only heard part of it, but I think it is significant."
Voldemort drummed his fingers on his desk. "You do? Very well then, tell me what you heard."
Snape took a deep breath before reciting the words he had heard.
"The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord has arrived, born to those who flee from death, born as the seventh month dies."
"Born as the seventh month dies," Voldemort said. "That is oddly specific."
"Born to those who have escaped death," Snape finished. "The parents must've escaped death before the child was born."
"Quiet," Voldemort said. "Shame you did not get the rest of the prophecy. There are so many missing variables? How did his parents escape death? Was the child born while they escaped from death or afterward? Was the death caused by the Dark Lord mentioned in the prophecy or someone else?
What about vanquish? That does not mean kill, but was this dark lord incapacitated? Am I even the dark lord the prophecy refers to? There is no doubt that I am what most would call a dark wizard, but who decides what is dark and what is light?"
Severus bowed his head. "My apologies Milord. I cannot answer any of your questions, but I did look up the children born at the end of July. There were none born this year. Births are down because of the war, but I did find a couple of children born last year that would fit the timeline of the prophecy."
"And?" Voldemort asked.
"The Potter family and the Longbottom family both had children born at the end of July of last year. The Healers diagnosed the Potter child with Magus Mortem but has somehow beaten the disease."
"I see," Voldemort said. "Well, he fits the qualifications of what we know so far. His parents have escaped me on multiple occasions. Not to mention, Magus Mortum is usually a death sentence. It also explains why you waited so long to see me."
Snape looked up at Voldemort.
"Come Severus I am not blind nor foolish. I remember you mentioning your friendship with Lily Evans."
Severus flinched. "Yes Milord," he said quietly. "I don't give a damn about her husband or child, but I would like her spared if possible."
"Indeed," Voldemort said. "Even though you haven't spoken in years?"
"We were friends once," Severus said. "Maybe with the child and Potter out of the way…"
Voldemort shook his head. "A foolish notion Severus," he said sternly. "If she ever found out you were the one who caused the death of her husband and child, she would kill you before you could blink. Don't forget, Dumbledore knows you were the one that overheard the prophecy. How do you know he wouldn't tell the girl?"
Severus looked up at Voldemort desperately. "Please Milord. I have served you faithfully and I have asked nothing in return. Give me this one thing I beg you."
Severus fell to the floor screaming in agony. It felt as if his master had filled his veins with broken glass and the glass was cutting through every nerve. After what seemed like an eternity the pain stopped. Severus lay on the floor, twitching uncontrollably. Looking up through tear filled eyes, he saw Voldemort standing over him, a serene expression on his face.
"Severus Tobias Snape," he said calmly. "You would dare to use your past loyalty as a bargaining chip? I thought you cared about the cause. I thought you wanted a better world for wizard-kind. Am I to understand that you would throw it all away because of a girl? A girl I might add, who abandoned you?"
Severus tried to speak, but only moaned. "Milord," he whispered.
Voldemort waved a hand and Severus's pain faded. "Let this be a warning to you Snape, I will not tolerate disloyalty. You took my mark willingly. You are mine; never forget that."
Severus nodded fearfully, not daring to speak.
Voldemort sighed. "I will give her a chance. That is all I will do. I will not spare her if she will not step aside."
"You are merciful Milord," Severus wheezed. "Thank you."
"Now that is settled, please leave me. I must consider this latest information."
Severus bowed and left the room. Voldemort watched him go before sitting back down behind his desk. Looking at Snape's half empty glass, he vanished it with a gesture.
Severus's news was troubling. If the prophecy was true, that meant that the fates themselves were stepping in to stop him. If it were not true, then Dumbledore was far more ruthless than he gave him credit for. Would the old man really use a child as bate? Could he afford to discount the possibility?
What if the person who gave the prophecy was manipulating them both? Dumbledore nor himself were infallible. Brilliant yes, but a skilled enough person could fool both. That line about escaping death troubled him. It was the only line that gave credence to the prophecy. Why was the line about the parents escaping death there? There had to be hundreds of parents expecting children that had escaped death.
The Potter boy was the obvious candidate for the prophecy based on his parents and the disease he happened to be born with. To make matters more frustrating, he wasn't likely to hear the rest of the prophecy while Dumbledore lived. He would need to consider his next move very carefully. He could not afford any mistakes. He stood. There would be time to plan his next move tomorrow. For now, he would go to bed and rest.
**C**
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. One hundred years old wasn't ancient for a wizard, but now Dumbledore felt three times his age. The prophecy his new divination teacher had given weighed heavily on his mind.
He glanced down at the bowl of silvery mist on his desk. He prodded the mist with his finger and watched as a figure draped in beads and bangles rose out of the bowl. As the image came into focus, the mist formed a middle-aged woman. When she spoke, her voice seemed to echo from a great distance.
"The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord has arrived, born to those who flee from death, born as the seventh month dies. He shall have power the dark lord knows not, and the dark lord will fail to slay him for if he wins, magic will flourish, but if the dark lord prevails, all is lost. The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord has arrived."
Dumbledore frowned as the image sank back into the bowl. Who was this child? How could he find him? Was this prophecy even real? So many questions and there were no answers.
"Albus," a voice said from the corner of his desk.
Dumbledore looked over and saw a young woman looking at him from a hand mirror lying on the desk. "Ariana," Dumbledore said delightedly. "It has been too long. How have you been, sister?"
The woman smiled at him, her blue eyes twinkling. "It's only been a couple of months Albus," Ariana said. "If you'd come and visit more often, it wouldn't be quite as long."
Dumbledore chuckled. "You are right of course. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Things have been a little unpleasant here of late, but it is nothing you need concern yourself with."
Dumbledore frowned. "Do you need me to come and help?"
Ariana shook her head. She glared playfully at Dumbledore. "I may not look it, but I am in my eighties. I don't need my big brother to come and rescue me anymore." Her tone softened. "I will say that the offer is greatly appreciated."
"If you need me…" Dumbledore began before trailing off. "I nearly lost you once. I don't want that to happen again."
Ariana shook her head. "You were young and foolish. I could have died, but I didn't. Let the past go Albus."
"The past teaches us many lessons if we will but learn," Dumbledore said.
"That is true," Ariana conceded, "but one must not live in the past and refuse to look to the future."
Dumbledore frowned at her words and glanced at the stone basin on his desk. Seeing his glance, Ariana looked from the basin to Dumbledore.
"Albus," she said gently. "What is it?"
Dumbledore showed her the prophecy and explained the circumstances surrounding it.
"I see," Ariana said. "You're sure the prophecy is genuine?"
"I have no reason to believe otherwise," Dumbledore said stroking his beard. "She would have to be an incredible actress to fool me."
"Yet it can be done," Ariana said sternly. "You may have defeated Geert, but do not make the mistake of believing you are a god among wizards. With your intelligence and positions, the potential for mistakes would be high. Do not forget you have people depending on you."
Dumbledore winced. "What would you have me do? Right now, I must assume that the woman gave a genuine prophecy."
"Yes, that would be my advice. If Voldemort decides to attack the child, then he will make himself the subject of the prophecy."
"You do not believe he is the subject of the prophecy?"
Ariana shook her head. "There is no evidence that he is. Voldemort is dangerous and could potentially bring magic into the open, but he has not crossed that line yet. However, if he goes after the child; he will make himself the Dark Lord in the prophecy. Very few things are unforgiveable, and the murder of a child is one of them."
"I shall inform the Potters and Longbottoms," Dumbledore said.
He raised his wand to shut down the mirror and paused. "Thank you, Ariana," he said sincerely. "Speaking with you always helps me to remember what is important."
Ariana touched a hand to her mirror. "Always Albus," she said gently. She grinned. "Someone must pull your head out of your own backside. It might as well be me."
Dumbledore chuckled. "I am glad you make the effort, sister."
"Get some sleep Albus," Ariana said. "You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."
As Dumbledore ended the mirror call, he smiled to himself. Speaking with Ariana always helped him put things in perspective. She was right of course. He may be leading an army against Voldemort, but he must never forget that he was leading people, not chess pieces.
He yawned. He had a clear picture of what he should do now. He would begin in the morning. For tonight he would rest.
**C**
The next morning, Dumbledore met with the Potters at Potter manor. He smiled as he watched Lily feeding their baby. The child was looking around while he ate his cereal appearing to be watching everyone. "How is young Harry?" he asked as Lily passed him a cup of tea.
Lily smiled. "He seems to be developing faster than I think is normal. He can speak a couple sentences when he wants to."
As if on cue, Harry looked up at his mother. "Thirsty Mummy," he said clearly. "Dwink please."
Lily beamed and kissed his forehead before holding a cup of milk so he could drink. "Very good Harry," she praised. "I'm proud of you for using your manners."
Once she had finished feeding Harry, Lily carried him to his room for a nap. When she returned, she sat down. "Sorry about that Albus," she said. "I don't know how much he may understand and if you've come to talk about the war, I'd prefer he hear as little as possible."
Dumbledore frowned as he remembered why he was there. "I understand completely," he said taking a drink of his tea. "Children should remain innocent as long as possible."
"What makes this meeting so urgent Albus," James said. "You sounded frantic when you floo called us a while ago."
Dumbledore sipped his tea and leaned back in his chair before beginning to speak. He told them of his meeting with the new divination professor and what had happened at the end of the meeting. When he was through, he waited for their response.
"You think our Harry is the person mentioned in this prophecy?" Lily asked her face draining of all color.
"I am not sure. One of Voldemort's followers overheard the first part of the prophecy. I have no doubt that he reported it to his master."
"Bloody Death Eaters," James muttered slamming a fist on the table.
Dumbledore nodded. "At any rate, I fear that Voldemort will come after your son to remove a threat to himself."
"What would you suggest?" James asked.
"I believe you own a cottage in Godric's Hollow, correct?"
"Yes," James said.
"My suggestion is the fidelius charm. I am aware there are drawbacks to the spell, but it is the best way to protect you and young Harry."
James and Lily glanced at each other. "Who would we use for secret keeper?" James asked.
"I would be willing to take on the responsibility if you will have me."
"Sir that is very generous," Lily said, "but don't you have duties that would take you away from Hogwarts?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "Unfortunately, those duties cannot be easily given to others, especially in a time of war."
"We need someone whose loyalty is unquestionable."
"That rules out Peter," Lily said.
James frowned at his wife. Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin, and Sirius black had been his friends since he was at Hogwarts. The four of them were closer than brothers. Lily loved all of them, but she didn't trust Peter. She could never tell him why exactly, but she had never warmed to Peter like she had with Remus and Sirius. He opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it.
"Who would you suggest then?"
"What about Remus," Lily said. "The poor man is a recluse most of the time anyway."
James nodded. "Remus will do. I would prefer Sirius, but he and I are in Auror training. We can't just quit."
Dumbledore shook his head. "I would recommend you go into hiding as soon as possible. Your Auror training will be there once the danger has passed."
James glanced at his wife. "Fine, I will speak to Remus today. We will perform the charm at the end of the week."
"Very well then," Dumbledore said. "Let me know when you are ready, and I shall be there."
**C**
Remus shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but my condition would make me a liability."
James glared at his friend before taking a good look at him.
There were lines on his face and his brown hair had streaks of grey running through it. He had circles under his eyes and looked as if he had not been sleeping much.
"Come off its Remus," Lily said. "Your Lycanthropy has nothing to do with you being our secret keeper."
"What if the Death Eaters capture me while it is a full moon. Unlike Sirius or Peter, I cannot go into hiding all the time. I must leave my home once a month. Rumor is that Severus has joined the Death Eaters. Thanks to Sirius's little prank at Hogwarts, he knows my secret. We cannot be sure he hasn't told Voldemort."
James sighed. Remus was right. Just another example of how childhood stupidity could come back to bite you later in life. "Okay Remus," he said. "Thank you for at least listening."
Remus stood. "I will always be there for you James. I do apologize that I could not be of more help in this situation."
As they watched Remus leave, James glanced at Lily. "So, we use Sirius?"
"Sirius," Lily agreed.
James stared out the window. He watched as a dove flew into the blue sky. It was one of those days where there was not a cloud in the sky. It would have been a fine day to take a stroll with Lily and Harry.
"James," Lily said her voice quavering. "What if he finds us?"
James looked at his wife. Tears ran down her cheeks and her green eyes were wide with fear. "Sirius would never betray us," he said firmly.
"But what if Voldemort finds Sirius? What if he tortures the secret out of him?"
"I trust Sirius," James said. "You remember what his family was like. He would die before he betrayed us."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Lily said forlornly.
**C**
Sirius Black had always been a handsome man. At Hogwarts, his dark hair and grey eyes had drawn the girls to him like moths to a flame.
"You're sure you don't want to choose someone else?" he asked.
James shook his head. "You're my brother in every way that matters."
"Peter would be a less obvious choice," Sirius explained.
"Peter is not a fighter," James said.
Sirius nodded. "You are right of course. When do we perform the spell?"
"We have talked to Dumbledore. We will be casting the charm on the first of September."
"That will give me time to get my affairs in order. If I am going to do this, I'll need to go into hiding as well."
"Thanks mate," James said.
"Don't thank me. He is my Godson; I'll do whatever I can to protect him."
Sirius stood hugged Lily and James before leaving the room. No sooner had Sirius left, Harry began to cry.
Lily stood, but James pulled her back.
"We have house elves," he said.
"I'm his mother, not the house elves," Lily said quietly before leaving the room.
James stared after her his expression determined. No matter what happened, he would not allow Voldemort to harm his family.
Standing up, he followed Lily out of the room. There would be time to worry about the war later. For now, he was going to spend time with Lily and Harry.